Documented by Ramiro Merino

At its Tuesday meeting, the Reedley City Council moved forward a new housing development and acknowledged Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Here’s what you need to know

  • The city council announced that a 17 year-old boy and two adults were arrested for the murder of four Reedley residents.
  • The council held a public hearing regarding the approval of six two-story townhomes development to be built in Reedley, which was approved. 
  • Council members recognized the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking Fresno EOC with a proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month. 

Follow-up questions

  • What is the timeline for the new facility that will be built in Reedley for youth sports? How can the community get involved? 
  • Will the townhomes be affordable or market rate?

Notes 

Actions/Discussions/Public comment

  • Mayor Anita Bentacourt called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 
  • During roll call, Council members Scott Friesen, Mary Fast, Suzanne Byers and Matthew Tuttle were all present at the start of the meeting. 
  • Pastor Virgil Miller from Christ Lutheran Church led the invocation. 
  • City Manager Nicole Zieba asked if an item regarding the Reedley homicide can be added to the agenda with council approval.
    • Zieba said “We wanted to address the incident that has affected our community. The council cannot discuss this as it was not on the agenda posted. We have late-breaking news that we have arrested a 17-year old boy and two adults for accessory to murder. I hope we are able to get more information to the community as we learn more. Our Police Department has been doing a phenomenal job on getting the information as fast as they can. I recommend you follow our Facebook page. I also want to thank the community for the tips. Some of the officers like our chief are on hours 36 of no sleep, so thank you for all of your work.”
  • There were three presentations provided to the council.
    • Police Chief Joe Garza presented Ashley Lopez as a new police officer for 
    • Reedley. Lopez graduated from Dinuba High School, obtained her Associate degree from Sequoia College and bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. “Over the past few months, she has proved her commitment. I have every confidence in her as a single officer in the field. I am sure she will excel in her role and create positive influence in the community,” Garza said.
    • Garza made a presentation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. “Personally, it undermines safety locally. Victims of human trafficking are isolated from their families and the community.” Staff with the Central Valley Against Human Tracking with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission said “Reedley holds a special place in my heart. Both of my grandmothers spent time here, so thank you for loving them. Although we are a small town, we have a big heart. We have the annual pledge to Stop Human Trafficking event in Fresno, Clovis and Madera next Tuesday, Jan. 16. We can’t just spread awareness, I also recommend getting further training. This is our fourth proclamation of the day, we have been in Bakersfield, Madera and Clovis.” 
    • Staff spoke about the Smith’s Ferry Historical Landmark Presentation. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I proclaim the Smith’s Ferry Historical Landmark as a historical site in Fresno County.”
  • There was no public comment. 
  • The council approved the consent calendar unanimously after item 6 was discussed further.
    • (Item 4) Approval of Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 12
    • (Item 5) Approval of Expense Reimbursement for Council Member Fast
    • (Item 6) Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Investment Fiduciary and Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement with Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors, LLC for Ongoing Administration Services of the City’s Deferred Compensation Plans
      • Council member Suzanne Byers said, “The Thrift Savings Program has people available to assist employees with their retirement plans.” Assistant City Manager Paul Malikian said, “This is to engage with employees at the lowest cost to the employees. It’s like an insurance agent where someone knows the process and plans and can help answer questions.” 
    • (Item 7) Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Software Services Agreement with IWorq Systems, Inc. for Ongoing Automated Solar Permitting and Related Payment Processing Services 
  • Community Services Director Sarah Reid provided an update for the Reedley Little League.
    • Reid said “Little League began in Reedley in 1981 at Camacho Park, and Camacho Park is the home of Little League. Not so often does Little League use the water park, but when they do, we accommodate them. Little League is all volunteers who do it with their heart. The volunteers spend lots of time getting the field playable for the youth. Little League was awarded $44 million, and we hope to have the grand opening in 2027. We still need to maintain the facilities of the current playfield and make sure Little League can still play. Other leagues start at an earlier age so they can make sure the youth stay.”
    • Newly inducted president of Little League Eduardo Garica was introduced. Garcia said “This year, we have 16 board members that we have brought on. More parents have stepped up. I personally have four children who play or will play. Our open ceremonies are in March this year, as long as the field does not get drowned again. We went far in the All-Stars, and the other teams liked our field so much that we hosted Camacho Park, even though we were not competing anymore. Some of the board members like myself coach and the other parents do a lot of legwork. 
    • A parent said “With what has happened here, what is more preventative than youth sports? More baseball, more football. I think this is the best preventative action.” 
  • Community Development Director Rodney Horton made the presentation on item 9, Public Hearing and Consider the Following Items Associated with the Proposed Future Development of Six Two-Story Townhome Duplexes Situated Northwest of the Intersection of South Frankwood Avenue and West Lilac Avenue.
    • Horton said “We have received three entitlement applications and an environmental assessment. The idea was first brought up in 2021, and it is now 2024. Any time there are multiple entitlement applications and one of the applications gets submitted to the City Council, then any other application also has to be approved by the City Council. Townhomes are not common in Reedley, especially in the Central Valley. This will be six two-story townhome duplexes that people will be able to rent.”  
    • A resident said one of their concerns is how high the wall for the development will be. Staff said the requirement is 6 feet.
    • The council voted unanimously to approve this item. 
  • Assistant City Manager Paul Melikian made the presentation on item 10, Consider Action Related to Annexation of Territory (Annexation No. 21) to the City of Reedley Community Facilities District 2005-1.
    • Melikian said “Since the requirement to annex into the CFO was imposed on all new development, development processed after November 2005 must be annexed into the existing CFO. Several property owners have submitted petitions to annex into the CFO as provided by the conditions of development of their property.”
    • To initiate annexation of territory to a CFO, the City Council approved a Resolution of Intention for Annexation No. 21 on Nov. 14. The Resolution of Intention (ROI) set a public hearing for Jan. 9.
    • There was no public comment on this item.
    • The council voted unanimously to approve this item. 
  • Council reports
    • Friesen had no report. 
    • Fast said no meetings were attended last month and wished everyone a good holiday season. 
    • Byers reported that the Valley Regional Occupational Program (ROP) is available to assist people with technical training. 
    • Tuttle asked people to support the Reedley Pub. 
    • Betancourt said she hopes everyone has a wonderful year ahead. 
  • With no further discussion, Betancourt adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. 

Conversation highlight

  • “With what has happened here, what is more preventative than youth sports? More baseball, more football. I think this is the best preventative action,” said a parent on the Little League Board, city of Reedley. 

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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